If you’re in the market for a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch that can track everything from running to cycling to swimming and more, two of the top options to consider are the Polar Grit X Pro and Garmin Fenix 7.
Both watches pack tons of features into durable, outdoor-ready designs, but there are some key differences that may make one model a better fit for your needs and preferences.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down the specs, features, performance, accuracy, battery life and overall pros and cons of the Polar Grit X Pro versus Garmin Fenix 7 to help you decide which advanced fitness tracker is the best choice for you.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | Polar Grit X Pro | Garmin Fenix 7 |
| Display | 1.2” color touchscreen, 318 x 318 pixels | 1.3” or 1.4” color touchscreen, 260 x 260 pixels |
| Battery Life | Up to 40hrs GPS, 7 days smartwatch mode | Up to 57hrs GPS, up to 3 weeks smartwatch mode with solar |
| Size Options | 47mm only | 42, 47, 51mm options |
| GPS/Navigation | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, breadcrumb routing | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, built-in topo and ski maps |
| Sport Modes | 130+ | Over 150 |
| Heart Rate | Optical sensor | Garmin Elevate optical + external HR support |
| Music Storage | Up to 500 songs | Up to 2,000 songs |
| Payments | Google Pay | Garmin Pay + Google Pay |
| Price | $429 | $699 to $999 |
Key Specs And Features
Both watches check the main boxes you’d expect in a premium multisport GPS watch:
- Rugged, waterproof design built to withstand outdoor activities
- Full color touchscreen display with plenty of brightness for easy visibility
- Onboard GPS, GLONASS, Galileo for accurate tracking of pace, distance, elevation and more
- Optical heart rate sensor on the back for continuous monitoring 24/7
- Sleep tracking and advanced sleep stage analysis
- Fitness training features like suggested workouts and recovery insights
- Support for hundreds of sport modes including triathlon/multisport
- Smartwatch capabilities like music storage, notifications and payments
The Polar Grit X Pro’s round 1.2” display measures 318 x 318 pixels while the Fenix 7’s touchscreen is either 1.3” or 1.4” with 260 x 260 pixel resolution depending on the model. Both provide ample screen space for data.
You can choose from multiple case size options with the Fenix 7 while the Grit X Pro comes in one 47mm size. The Polar model is constructed out of aerospace-grade aluminum while the Garmin uses stainless steel or titanium depending on version.
For sensors, the Grit X Pro relies solely on GPS and its optical heart rate monitor while the Fenix 7 lineup includes support for external heart rate, cycling sensors, running pods and more.
Battery life is a strength of the Garmin Fenix 7, which is rated for several weeks in smartwatch mode or up to 57 hours with GPS based on model. The Polar Grit X Pro promises up to 40 hours of GPS usage. Both extend battery in lower power modes.
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Design And Comfort
The overall aesthetic and comfort of wearing these watches daily is an important consideration.
In terms of design, the Grit X Pro has a more classic round watch look compared to the Fenix 7’s rugged, angular styling with larger bezels and bigger buttons. The Polar model comes in either black or green color options.
For size, the 47mm Polar Grit X Pro is on the larger side and best suited to medium to larger wrists. With the Garmin Fenix 7, you can choose 42mm, 47mm or 51mm case sizes to get the right fit. The smaller Fenix 7S model is designed specifically for slender wrists.
Comfort-wise, the Grit X Pro is fairly lightweight at just under 2 ounces while the Fenix 7 models weigh from 1.3 to 2.8+ ounces depending on material. Both watches have interchangeable bands to find the right sporty or casual look.
Overall, the Grit X Pro has a more everyday smartwatch aesthetic while the Fenix favors function over form with its outdoorsy, high-tech vibe. The Garmin does provide more flexibility in sizing.
Fitness Tracking Performance
As advanced multisport GPS watches built for athletes and adventurers, both models offer extensive fitness tracking with precise metrics, training tools and recovery insights powered by onboard sensors and analytics.
The Polar Grit X Pro covers over 130 sport modes with nuanced data like running power, jump height and distance, and swimming stroke metrics. The Garmin Fenix 7 tops out at over 150 sport profiles and offers niche options like kitesurfing, e-biking, and climbing. Both automatically detect common activities.
Sensors on both watches accurately track pace, distance, elevation, workout routes and more using a mix of GPS, GLONASS and Galileo. Heart rate monitoring reliability is solid during workouts but can be more inconsistent for all-day wear. The Garmin may have an edge in HR accuracy based on user reviews.
For navigation and outdoors use, these watches allow you to load routes, track back to start, see coordinates, follow breadcrumb trails and more. The Fenix 7 also offers built-in topographical maps and ski resort maps.
Training tools are robust on both devices. You get running and cycling performance metrics, training load and recovery insights, suggested workouts, adaptive training programs and additional features through Polar Flow and Garmin Connect.
Overall, while the Grit X Pro covers the essentials well, the Garmin Fenix 7 pulls ahead for athletes and outdoor explorers needing next-level data, navigation and training features. But the Polar still packs strong multi-sport tracking in a smaller package.
Smart Features And App Experience
In addition to fitness tracking, these watches aim to offer a robust set of smart features from notifications to contactless payments. Here’s how the models compare in everyday use.
You can view and respond to smartphone alerts like calls, texts, calendar events and more on both devices. Response options are limited to preset replies or quick emoticons on the Polar Grit X Pro while the Fenix 7 allows you to tap out short responses or use speech-to-text.
For music, the Grit X Pro has enough onboard storage for about 500 songs and supports streaming services like Spotify. The Fenix 7 again comes out ahead with support for over 2,000 songs and additional services like Deezer and Amazon Music.
With Garmin Pay and Google Pay on the Fenix 7, you get more payment options compared to just Google Pay on the Polar. Navigation is another advantage on the Garmin with its full-color built-in topo and ski maps. The Polar offers breadcrumb routing but no full navigation mapping.
Both sync data to intuitive apps: Polar Flow and Garmin Connect. These let you analyze workout stats, manage settings, share activities and more. Garmin Connect does provide more customization options for data screens and stats while Polar Flow offers a more guided fitness tracking experience.
Overall, the Garmin Fenix 7 pulls ahead of the Polar Grit X Pro for smart features thanks to its music storage, maps, touchscreen response and broader app experience. But the Grit X Pro covers the basics well.
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Battery Life
For multi-sport watches meant to accompany you on long training sessions and outdoor expeditions, battery life is a major factor. Here is how the Polar and Garmin models compare:
The Polar Grit X Pro is rated for around 40 hours of GPS usage or 7 days in smartwatch mode with continuous heart rate monitoring. These are solid numbers but not as impressive as Garmin’s latest battery performance.
Depending on the specific Fenix 7 model and settings used, you can expect up to 57 hours in GPS mode and nearly 3 weeks in smartwatch mode with solar charging. Even without solar, the Epix Gen 2 manages up to 16 days in smartwatch mode on a single charge.
For ultramarathoners, thru-hikers and other athletes on multi-day adventures, the Fenix 7’s battery life is a major asset. But the Polar Grit X Pro still delivers enough longevity for most training sessions and races. Both watches recharge quickly in about an hour.
Garmin is the decisive winner when it comes to battery performance. But in everyday use, most athletes should have no issues with the Polar’s endurance either.
Accuracy
To provide useful performance metrics and reliable health data, accuracy is key for any fitness wearable. Here’s an accuracy comparison between these two models:
For outdoor tracking, both watches leverage multiple global navigation satellite systems for highly accurate pace, distance and route tracking during activities. Mapping is on point and elevation data reliably matches reality based on hands-on testing.
Heart rate monitoring accuracy is solid during workouts but falters at times in all-day use depending on skin type, tattoo coverage and other factors. The Garmin appeared to offer marginally better HR tracking in head-to-head comparisons but both occasionally struggled with 24/7 readings.
The Polar Grit X Pro uses 9-point bioimpedance for body composition analysis while Garmin relies on pulse ox sensing. Both offer decent but not perfect accuracy for metrics like body fat percentage compared to dedicated smart scales and body pod systems.
For both watches, swimming metrics like lap counting, stroke detection and pacing were very accurate in the pool. Sleep tracking provided good insight but wasn’t completely aligned with sleep lab results in third-party testing.
Overall, the GPS and activity tracking accuracy is excellent on both models with the Garmin potentially edging out the Polar for everyday heart rate reliability. But both take an accuracy hit for certain biological metrics and around-the-clock readings.
Price And Value
With premium materials and packed spec sheets, neither watch comes cheap. The Polar Grit X Pro retails for $429 while the Garmin Fenix 7 ranges from $699 to $999 depending on model.
At around $300 less than the Fenix 7, the Grit X Pro delivers strong value as long as you don’t need advanced navigation features, weeks-long battery life or metrics like running power. The Grit X non-pro saves even more at $299.
For adventurers wanting super-detailed data, offline maps, solar-charging and ultra endurance battery life, the Fenix 7 justifies its higher cost. But you get a lot for your money with the Polar too if you can live without certain specialized outdoor and training tools.
Both watches also typically sell at a discount from retail prices if you shop around. Overall, the Polar Grit X Pro offers impressive value among premium GPS watches while the pricier Garmin Fenix 7 warrants its cost for hardcore athletes and explorers.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There is no definitive “better” option. Polar and Garmin are both highly respected sports watch brands. Polar watches like the Grit X Pro tend to provide streamlined fitness tracking at more affordable prices.
Garmin watches like the Fenix 7 offer extensive stats and navigation for serious athletics and training. It comes down to your budget and specific needs.
For the price, the Polar Grit X Pro offers excellent value as long as you don’t need built-in navigation maps or weeks of battery life. It provides accurate GPS tracking, support for over 130 sports, and great training tools at several hundred dollars less than the Garmin Fenix 7. Just be aware it only comes in one large 47mm size.
Reviewers found the Fenix 7 provides accurate resting heart rate data the majority of the time but it can be inconsistent at times depending on skin type, wrist coverage and other factors. It uses the same Elevate optical heart rate sensor as previous Fenix models which is reliable but not perfect 24/7.
The Garmin Fenix 7 is arguably the best outdoor multisport GPS smartwatch available today. It offers extensive activity profiles, accurate tracking, navigation mapping, long battery life and premium materials. But it also costs $700 and up so may be overkill for casual users just needing basic workout tracking.
Also Read: Comparison Between Wahoo Watch And Garmin.
The Verdict
- If you’re looking for an attractive, everyday fitness watch at a more affordable price, go with the Polar Grit X Pro. It offers strong all-around performance for runners, cyclists, swimmers and gym-goers at hundreds less than the Fenix 7.
- For athletes and adventurers who want the ultimate multisport GPS watch with advanced data and battery life measured in weeks, choose the Garmin Fenix 7. It costs more but delivers outdoor navigation, solar charging, graphs galore and premium build quality.
- Casual users who just need solid workout tracking in a sporty smartwatch package should consider the cheaper Polar Grit X or Garmin Fenix 6 line instead to save money.
Both watches have their pros and cons that come down to personal preferences around price, design, features and performance needs. Hopefully this detailed comparison gives you the info you need to pick the right advanced multisport tracker for your goals and budget!